COVID: Military Personnel Testing Positive 'May Apply For Compensation'

Members of the Armed Forces who test positive for COVID-19 can apply to claim compensation through a Government scheme, a minister has revealed.

Johnny Mercer MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said "personnel who believe they have contracted COVID-19 in the course of their duties" may apply.

Mr Mercer said service members can seek compensation in the same way they would "with any other injury or illness caused by service" once they have tested positive.

Personnel can pursue a claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

In response to a written question from Conservative MP for Wrexham, Sarah Atherton, Mr Mercer said: "Personnel who believe they have contracted COVID-19 in the course of their duties may apply for compensation from the scheme, as they would with any other injury or illness caused by service.

"The Armed Forces Pension scheme also provides benefits for injury, illness, or death, regardless of the cause of illness or death."

As of 8 January this year, 4,303 UK military personnel have tested positive for coronavirus, up 1,012 since 18 December 2020 – a 30.7% increase.

Supporting the NHS and local communities, Armed Forces personnel have spent much of the last year on the coronavirus frontline – with military medics recently taking on patient-facing roles in hospitals.

Awards through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme can reach claimants primarily through a tax-free lump sum or a tax-free monthly payment.

The scheme is separate from personal accident cover and life insurance, and does not seek to impact a civil rights claim if members feel they have been affected by negligence within the forces.

Cover image: RAF service member carries out coronavirus testing duties (Picture: MOD).